Springtime always brings a renewed sense of hope along with lots of bright colors and lovely natural sights. In a few weeks, it will also bring some colorful visitors: migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Most hummingbirds are migratory, and they tend to stick to the same migratory path every year. They don’t stay in Nebraska very long during their spring migration, which just makes it more magical when you do spot them.
Larry Keller, Lititz Pa. / Moment via Getty Images
This map shows the spring hummingbird migration of 2020. As you can see, these tiny birds can be seen all over the eastern half of the country.
Hummingbird Central
The hummingbirds stick mainly to eastern Nebraska. Except for a few outliers every year, the hummingbirds coming through Nebraska are almost exclusively of the ruby-throated variety.
Hummingbird Central
In early March of 2021, the hummingbirds have barely made it out of the tropics. Peak spring migration sightings in Nebraska will be between April and May.
Hummingbird Central
These itty-bitty feathered friends are truly tiny and easy to overlook. You’re likely to spot them in gardens planted with hummingbird- and bee-attracting flowers.
Marcia Straub / Moment via Getty Images
Their tiny wings can flap up to 80 times per second, so it’s no wonder they seem to always be feeding. In fact, they can feed anywhere from five to eight times a day!
Michael Lee / Moment via Getty Images
You may be wondering, “How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard?” A hummingbird feeder like this one is a great way to invite the birds into your yard.
Carlos Luis Camacho Photographs / Moment via Getty Images A pre-made hummingbird nectar (skip the ones with with dyes) will attract hummingbirds, but you can also easily make your own with a simple recipe using just sugar and water. Just be sure to change the nectar every other day and wash the feeder twice a week to avoid fermentation and mold.
Have you seen any hummingbirds yet this spring? Do you put out feeders for them? Tell us all about your hummingbird sightings in the comments! Keep track of the 2021 migration on this interactive map.
Larry Keller, Lititz Pa. / Moment via Getty Images
Hummingbird Central
Marcia Straub / Moment via Getty Images
Michael Lee / Moment via Getty Images
Carlos Luis Camacho Photographs / Moment via Getty Images
A pre-made hummingbird nectar (skip the ones with with dyes) will attract hummingbirds, but you can also easily make your own with a simple recipe using just sugar and water. Just be sure to change the nectar every other day and wash the feeder twice a week to avoid fermentation and mold.
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